Dee M. Smith

Springfield — Dee M. Smith, 59, of Springfield, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026, at HSHS St. John’s Hospital in Springfield, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 14, 1967, in Kankakee, the daughter of Ted K. and Delores M. Fendrick Pickard. She married James Roy Smith on April 4, 1987, in Springfield. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Marcia Strow; her brother, Gerald (Jerry) Straube Jr.; and her niece, Emily Strow, in 2010.

Dee attended St. Libory Elementary School in St. Libory, Illinois, and graduated from Freeburg Community High School in 1985, where she played volleyball and competed in track and field, including shot put and discus.

She worked for the state of Illinois for 25 years, including at the Illinois Department of Human Services and the Environmental Protection Agency. For the past 10 years, she worked as an executive secretary at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Dee loved spending time with her family, especially her grandbabies, who were the light of her life. She enjoyed camping, dancing and music, and she brought joy and energy to every gathering. Dee was like a mom to everyone — always offering love, kindness and a listening ear. She touched more lives than she ever realized, leaving a legacy of compassion that will be remembered by all who knew her.

Dee is survived by her husband of 39 years, James, of Springfield; three daughters including twins Jenna R. (husband, Zac) Starkweather and Meagan N. Smith, and Kirstie M. Smith, all of Springfield; five grandchildren, Penelope, Hunter, Kyle, Jasmine and Ezekiel; three sisters, Lisa Stolte (companion, Elmer Walker) of Springfield, Teddie (husband, Charles) Radcliffe of Paducah, Kentucky, and Laura (husband, Michael) Glenn of Fults, Illinois; her best friend, Donja Savage, and Donja’s sons, Allen (wife, Jennifer) Savage and Cody Savage, of Springfield; extended grandkids, Ryder and Sky Savage; and several nieces and nephews, including Andrew (wife, Kim) Strow of Chatham.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is honored to serve the family of Dee Smith. Online condolences may be shared at curryfh.com.